Charles Werner, your host, is speaking with Deputy Chief Christopher W. Sadler, from York, County, VA, Fire and Life Safety. Christopher is on the Drone Responders board of advisors as a strong advocate for the use of drones for public safety and disaster response.

In this episode, Christopher shares his extensive knowledge in leading operations with drones and how the partnership between the sheriff´s office and the Fire and Life Safety Department has eased their work, allowing a faster and most efficient response.

Christopher also shares how he became one of the first individuals in the USA to receive a Close Proximity Low altitude Beyond Vision Line Sight waiver and how it is a great ally in his work ensuring people’s safety.

 

Key Takeaways:

[1:05] Christopher shares how he got involved in public safety drones.

[2:54] The Sheriff’s office and the partnership with the Fire and Life Safety Department.

[5:54] Christopher shares an example of an active shooter situation.

[6:56] Improvement in teams and understanding of operations.

[7:55] Christopher talks about his first mission.

[9:45] Logistics play a huge role in every operation.

[10:36] The program after several successful missions.

[11:44] What aircraft is Christopher flying now?

[13:01] The advantages of the Tethered drone.

[15:20] Christopher shares his experience helping other communities.

[15:52] The success at the Virginia Department Emergency Management.

[17:30] Christopher talks about the resistance people can have against drone operations.

[19:42] Christopher helped developed drone response programs in more than 35 counties in the US.

[20:04] Christopher shares his most memorable missions.

[24:25] How Christopher received a Close Proximity Low altitude Beyond Vision Line Sight waiver.

[26:41] What does “close proximity-low altitude” mean?

[28:22] How has drone helped in enhancing safety?

[30:00] Drones improving operational effectiveness.

[33:26] Christopher touches on his many roles and the impact of his personal and professional lives.

[36:20] How new trends are started.

[37:57] The first Outstanding Public Safety Drone Program Award to York County, VA.

 

Mentioned in this episode:

Airborne International Response Team

Presented by AiRXOS, part of GE Aviation with additional support from FirstIZ and Pix4D

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